161-DAY DRY CARGO TIME CHARTER
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Strategic Sealift Program Office is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for a 161-day dry cargo time charter. This initiative aims to gather information on available U.S. and foreign flag vessels to transport military cargo, informing future requirements. Responses are due by March 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
This opportunity seeks vessels capable of carrying a minimum of 150,000 sqft of military cargo, including helicopters (utility, Apache, CH-47), tracked and wheeled vehicles, and breakbulk. Key vessel requirements include:
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) and Lift-on/Lift-off (LO/LO) capabilities.
- SATCOM with CIR of 1024/512 KBPS.
- Ability to transport cargo greater than CAT 1.4 Class V.
- Equipped with a ship crane and operator.
- Below-deck helicopter storage.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Charter Period: 161 days
- Delivery Port: Tacoma, WA
- Redelivery Port: Tacoma, WA
- Laydays: Commencing/Canceling on May 20, 2026
- Response Due: March 11, 2026, by 10:00 AM Eastern Time
- Published: March 5, 2026
Eligibility & Submission
- NAICS Code: 483111 (Water Transportation), with a small business size standard of 1,050 employees.
- Respondents must indicate their business size.
- This is an RFI only; responses are not considered offers. Interested parties should provide:
- Vessel name and description
- Daily charter hire rate and any delivery/redelivery bonuses
- Fuel consumption rates (underway and inport)
- Militarily useful square feet of vessel deck space (with >7'5" clearance for RO/RO)
- Number of supercargo vessels can accommodate
- Confirmation of layday availability
- For large businesses, details on possible sub-contracting opportunities
- Responses must be submitted via email.
Contact Information
Primary Contact: Brandon Page, brandon.a.page.civ@us.navy.mil, (564)226-1239.